The larynx may not get the same amount of attention as the heart or lungs, but it's still an important internal organ. Nestled in the necks of people and animals, the larynx houses the vocal cords that allow for noise-making and speech, and is below the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped flap that prevents choking by keeping food and drink out of the lungs.

Part of the larynx structure includes the voice box, also sometimes referred to as the vocal cords. Although these names suggest boxes and cords, neither moniker is really accurate. The vocal cords are actually two bands of smooth muscle tissue that are located in the larynx, and these muscles vibrate as air moves through them on its way to or from the lungs.

The larynx comprises a cartilage skeleton that contains the vocal cords covered by a mucus lining. These "cords" are flexible muscles that are extremely adept at changing shape, position and tension so the voice can make a range of sounds at a variety of levels. If the larynx becomes inflamed because of illness or injury, the vocal cords can swell and cause laryngitis, which is characterized by a hoarse, gravelly-sounding voice, or the loss of one's voice altogether.

You need vocal cords in good working order to whisper, right? Actually, it's possible to whisper without using the ol' voice box. When you whisper, the vocal cords stay slack and do not vibrate. This is known as an "open throat" whisper, and it allows people who are mute to make sound. It's also a helpful technique for people who are resting their voices, such as singers or those with a sore throat. However, most people don't use this passive technique when they whisper. Instead, they strain to produce sound.